Tarnos - La Digue Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, surfers, Rusty here. Let's be straight with you about the outlook for Tarnos - La Digue. We’ve got a long stretch ahead, and to be honest, the swell window isn’t looking kind for a while.

The first half of this period is a bit of a bust. We’re kicking off Monday the 6th with tiny, weak swell around 2ft from the northwest, and the combined energy is a measly 64 – barely a ripple. The water’s way warmer than usual for this time of year at 74°, but that’s small comfort when the waves are so ordinary. The morning does see a light easterly offshore breeze, which would keep things clean, but there’s just no power behind it. The rest of Monday, all of Tuesday and Wednesday are the same story: poor conditions with onshore or cross-onshore winds and tiny swell. It’s a frustrating gap of nothing worth paddling out for.

Thursday the 9th and Friday the 10th aren't any better. The swell bumps up to 2ft on Thursday afternoon, but the wind swings cross-onshore and messes up any chance of a decent face. We’re looking at a solid week of flat, messy conditions.

Finally, a glimmer of hope. Saturday morning the 11th. The swell stays small around 2ft from the WNW, but the combined energy pushes up to 102 (moderate). The real winner is the wind – a light easterly offshore breeze, 5 km/h. That will put a clean face on those small waves. It’s not a standout day by any means, but it’s the best we’ve seen all week. Don't expect much power though, as the period is only 9 seconds.

Sunday the 12th is actually the best day on offer. The morning sees an even lighter offshore breeze from the southeast, keeping things clean. By the afternoon, it goes dead glassy, with no wind at all. The swell is still only 2ft from the northwest, but for a beginner-friendly spot, glassy conditions are a massive bonus. You won’t be getting barreled, but the waves will be rideable and clean. Crowds are sometimes an issue here, so for conditions this rare, expect company.

From Monday the 13th onward, it’s back to a poor run. The swell gets a bit more energy mid-week, but it’s all accompanied by cross-onshore winds and short, weak periods. The last few days of the forecast, from the 18th to the 22nd, show strong onshore winds with rain and even a risk of thunderstorms on the 21st. The swell tries to pick up to 4ft that afternoon, but with a short 6-second period and gale-force onshore wind, that’s a washing machine. This setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing.

Bottom line: The only windows worth your time are Saturday morning the 11th and Sunday the 12th, with Sunday afternoon offering the best chance for a glassy, clean session on very small waves.

Rusty.

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